







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| No worries Mike, as I said, he only does it when he is stressed. | |
| Because I don't want to waste more time finding a new house... | |
| Of course! It's my favourite pub. | |
| Of course, I researched it well, it's 525 metres. | |
| I think we should wait for a while till all that smoke disappears. | |
| Sh*t! I can't believe it's already 10:30! | |
| You can ask whatever you want to know. | |
| This is the last one and, unfortunately, it has a hole in it. | |
| Hmm.. yes, I need mushrooms, stock, celery... | |
| What do you expect English teachers to look like? | |
| Oh sorry dear, my husband has some difficulties hearing... | |
| That's right, I think pressure cookers are quite dangerous, too! | |
| Yes, they are all around 2 pounds. | |
| I haven't been there before, where is it? | |
| Kisses to you, too, I'll call you when I get there! | |
| How is your cat? | |
| Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | |
| Do you want me to put it in the bin? | |
| Do you live in this house, too? | |
| What's your maximum monthly budget for the rent? | |